AFC Breakdown

AFC EAST

I think most people are in agreement that its the Patriots and then a large gap between them and every one else. The rich got richer, bringing in Randy Moss, the beast Adalius Thomas, Donte' Stallworth, and Wes Welker. With their 14-2 record, I had them going undefeated in the division, but a strong Jets team with newly acquired Thomas Jones will play them tough both games and may beat them in New Jersey. Speaking of the Jets, I have them at 9-7, but they could easily win an extra game, maybe even two. Either way, they are a wildcard team. Buffalo had a great draft (one that I am jealous over as a Packer fan), but that won't help them on the field until the latter half of the season. I see Buffalo struggling early, but play strong during the final half of the season to finish 7-9. As for Miami, wretched. I think Trent Green wins two more games than my previous record for them, but that still only makes them a last place team with a 5-11 record. Too many problems in Miami at too many positions.

AFC CENTRAL

Interesting division and possibly the most competitive. I like Baltimore to win the division with a formula that is more of the same. Excellent defense, Matt Stover, safe passing on offense, and now an improved running game with Willis McGahee. Pittsburgh is tough to predict, but I like them to get a wildcard with a 9-7 record. Great move bringing in former Pitt Panther, Kevan Barlow. Him and Parker out of the backfield will be formidable for opposing teams. I find it interesting that Pittsburghers are more pessimistic than I am about the Steelers' upcoming season. Listening to them you would think the world is coming to an end and they will finish under .500. as great as that would be, the Steelers are too talented for that. As for Cincinnati, their season doesn't begin until after their bye in Week 5, because I have them losing their first four games of the season. Too much turmoil this offseason, but they get it going in the second half. Much like Buffalo, too little, too late. A lot of people see Cleveland improving after arguably the best draft in the league, but I don't think so. Their schedule gets real tough after their early bye and they're going to have to really improve to be a 6 win team or better.

AFC SOUTH

Definitely the Colts here, but with a very tough schedule for the defending champs, I lowered their record from 2006 down to 11-5. Still as strong of a team though. I forsee a bit of a sophomore slump for Vince Young and the Titans, so I keep them at 8-8 while others see them improving. I may even be generous because after this season LenDale White will show he is a bust, leaving Vince Young to do it all himself. Without any help it will be a tough season. Look for rookie Chris Henry to take over by the end of the season. Jacksonville at 6-10 could very well be my biggest bust. On paper, I look at this team and I see a lot of injury-prone players with mediocre talent. Yet they somehow get it done on the field, so their wins and losses could be flipped from my prediction. I like the Texans' move in trading for Matt Schaub, but they really blackballed David Carr. IT wasn't Carr's fault! HELLO!! Your o-line stinks! In fact, Carr was very efficient last year....when he was able to throw the ball. Schaub will not be able to do any better if he's getting sacked left and right.

AFC WEST

I like Denver here and I think they will be fairly dominating at 12-4. GREAT move bringing in Travis Henry, I see him being a 1500-yd back. San Diego struggles a bit with so many coaching changes, but with so much talent on the field, they should at least be a .500 team and I have them at 9-7. When will the Chargers ever turn the corner? Kansas City...what are you doing? Damon Huard overachieved last year and Brodie Croyle has a weak arm. Your o-line is depleted, forcing Tony Gonzalez to block more, your receivers have always stunk, and you have no QB, leaving LJ as your only offensive weapon. Good thing for you, your defense is improved, but if you have trouble scoring points, you will still lose a lot of games, hence the 5-11 record. As for Oakland, more of the same.

AFC Honors:

Best QB...Carson Palmer (CIN) [4225 Passing Yards, 34 TD's, 10 INT's, QB Rating: 107.8]
Best RB...LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) [1675 Rush. Yds., 23 Rushing TD's, 475 Rec. Yds., 2 Rec. TD's, 2150 Total Yds., 25 Total TD's]
Best WR...Chad Johnson (CIN) [90 Receptions, 1339 Receiving Yards, 10 TD's]
Best Defensive Player...Adalius Thomas (NE) [13 Sacks, 82 Tackles]
Comeback Player of the Year...Randy Moss (NE) [63 Receptions, 982 Rec. Yds., 10 TD's]
Breakout Players of the Year...Jay Cutler (DEN) [2600 Pass. Yds., 13 TD's] & Laurence Maroney (NE) [1300 Rush. Yds. , 8 TD's]
Best Rookie...Marshawn Lynch (BUF) [800 Rushing Yds., 6 TD's]
Best Coach...Bill Belichick (NE)

Next week, I will breakdown the highly debated NFC.